OpenAI Faces Backlash Over Subpoenas Sent to AI Regulation Advocates

Reports indicate that OpenAI has issued subpoenas to several AI regulation advocates and organizations involved in shaping California’s recent AI legislation. Among those served was Nathan Calvin, an attorney with Encode AI, who said a sheriff’s deputy delivered the documents to his home. The subpoenas reportedly requested Calvin’s communications with lawmakers, students, and former OpenAI employees related to California’s AI transparency law, SB 53.

Calvin described the subpoenas as an intimidation tactic, claiming OpenAI used its ongoing lawsuit with Elon Musk as a pretext to target critics. OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer, Jason Kwon, denied the allegation, stating that the subpoenas were part of evidence collection in the company’s legal case against Musk. He said the action was standard procedure and not a separate lawsuit against the individuals or organizations involved.

Tyler Johnston, founder of The Midas Project, said his organization received a nearly identical subpoena demanding communications with journalists, lawmakers, and advocacy groups. Johnston suggested the timing coincided with regulatory reviews of OpenAI’s planned transition to a for-profit structure.

Within OpenAI, some employees have reportedly questioned the company’s approach. Joshua Achiam, Head of Mission Alignment, publicly expressed concern over the tactics, warning that such actions risk undermining public trust in the company’s mission.